HELP — I’ve unleashed the beast, so to speak part 2

[Before you can make things better, you have to stop making them worse...]

Hi UBPDHelp,

I haven't posted a lot lately, but I've been following your story. Like our friends, I would encourage you to access outside support - whatever that looks like - during this time. I've been through a situation where my h was having a mental health crisis (a couple of times), and he took some drastic actions that changed the course of our family life. The first time it happened, I wasn't able to do a lot about it due to a crisis in our community; my h became physically abusive toward me during that time.

I think it would be good to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis:
- inability to perform daily tasks (bathing, brushing hair, teeth, changing clothes)
- rapid mood swings
- increased agitation (verbal threats, destroying property, violent behavior)
- abusive behavior toward self or others (this can include self-harm and substance abuse)
- isolation
- loses touch with reality
- paranoia (suspicion or mistrust without evidence)

Sometimes, we get so used to minimizing our lives and situations that we minimize something that should not be. It can be hard to trust our instincts and gut feelings. What are some things that you find helpful to calm your fears?

[empath]

Hi UBPDHelp,

I haven't posted a lot lately, but I've been following your story. Like our friends, I would encourage you to access outside support - whatever that looks like - during this time. I've been through a situation where my h was having a mental health crisis (a couple of times), and he took some drastic actions that changed the course of our family life. The first time it happened, I wasn't able to do a lot about it due to a crisis in our community; my h became physically abusive toward me during that time.

I think it would be good to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis:
- inability to perform daily tasks (bathing, brushing hair, teeth, changing clothes)
- rapid mood swings
- increased agitation (verbal threats, destroying property, violent behavior)
- abusive behavior toward self or others (this can include self-harm and substance abuse)
- isolation
- loses touch with reality
- paranoia (suspicion or mistrust without evidence)

Sometimes, we get so used to minimizing our lives and situations that we minimize something that should not be. It can be hard to trust our instincts and gut feelings. What are some things that you find helpful to calm your fears?

[formflier]

UBPDHelp

A small "tactical" bit of advice since, keeping the peace is important.

If it ever comes up again that you are asked to give something up or do something and you want to say "no"...it may be better to say "Yes...right after xyz."

If you want to get into details, probably best to start another thread.  Let's not detract from the important work being done in this thread.

Best,

FF

[Cat Familiar]

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